Laminate Flooring: Constructions, Styles and Finishes

Construction

Laminate floors are usually offered in 7mm, 8mm, 10mm and 12mm thicknesses. The difference is the thickness of the HDF core. The quality of that core is instrumental in determining the stability, dent resistance and overall longevity of the floor.

They are made by attaching a picture on specialty paper of real wood to a high density fiberboard. This HDF is typically made using the sawdust from other floors that are compressed with adhesives and made into a rigid plank. If the core is made incorrectly, not only will it compromise the stability of the floor, but also potentially create harmful formaldehyde fumes that cause illness. If a floor is Lacey and CARB compliant (which all of our floors are), this ensures the safety of the floor and your family.

The picture fused to the top of the core is then coated with a transparent layer and impregnated with aluminum oxide. Aluminum oxide is the same substance used to protect most types of floors and what makes laminate one of the most durable floors you can buy. If you have children, pets, heavy foot traffic or just prone to dropping stuff, laminate flooring is a fantastic choice.

Laminates are installed using a floating method over a foundation of underlayment. In some cases, the pad is already attached. This makes installation even easier and an excellent option for those performing a diy floor installation.

Style

Essentially, laminate flooring is offered in most styles you’ll find in hardwood flooring. If you see it in hardwood, its laminate twin is probably out there somewhere.

Laminate floors are now available in hand scraped finishes, deep surface textures, and even stone look or stone laminate tiles. As time has passed and our digital capabilities have grown, these floors are virtually identical to their natural counterparts. It used to be pretty evident that you were looking at a faux wood floor, now you can hardly tell the difference (if you can tell at all.)

Textured laminate flooring.

Hand scraped laminate flooring.

Stone look laminate flooring.

Finishes

Unlike wood, bamboo and ,a href="/cork">cork, laminate doesn’t require polyurethane. Aluminum oxide is what protects the surface and the amount used will affect the floor’s performance. Also the quality of that finish used (regardless of amount) weighs greatly into its resistance to dents, scratches and even burns. The laminate floors we sell here are from manufacturers committed to using only the best adhesives, manufacturing equipment and surface finishes.